Thermostatically controlled fluid valves



Oct. 3, 1961 c. D. BRANSON ETAL 3,002,693

THERMOSTATICALLY CONTROLLED FLUID VALVES Filed Oct. 8, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Oct. 3, 1961 c. D. BRANSON ETAL 3,002,693

THERMOSTATICALLY CONTROLLED FLUID VALVES 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed 001;. 8. 1958 m2 mON mum NON 00m 9N NE vow Oct. 3, 1961 c. D. BRANSON ETAL 3,002,693

THERMOSTATICALLY CONTROLLED FLUID VALVES Filed Oct. 8, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Oct. 3, 1961 c. D. BRANSON ETAL 3,002,693

THERMOSTATICALLY CONTROLLED FLUID VALVES Filed 001;. 8, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Oct. 3, 1961 V c. D. BRANSON ETAL 3,002,693

THERMOSTATICALLY CONTROLLED FLUID VALVES Filed Oct. 8, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 3,002,693 THERMOSTATICALLY CONTROLLED FLUID VALVES Charles D. Branson and William S. Kunzler, Greensburg, Pa., assignors to Robertshaw-Fulton Controls Company, Richmond, Va, a corporation of Delaware Filed Oct. 8, 1958, Ser. No. 766,063 20 Claims. (Cl. 236-99) This invention relates to thermostatically controlled fluid valves and more particularly to those which are used in connection with gas range burners and the like.

Thermostatic top burner control devices generally comprise a pair of valves. The first valve is adjustable to control the capacity of fluid flow therethrough thereby determining the size of the flame on the burner. A temperature responsive element situated at the burner is adapted to control the operation of the second valve thereby maintaining an intermittent flame at the burner to keep the temperature of the desired cooking utensil situated thereon at that selected by the user. Therefore, the first valve must be operated hurriedly to set the flame size before the sensing element becomes warm enough to cause operation of the second valve. It is apparent with this arrangement, it is impossible to properly adjust the flame size when the sensing element is hot from a previous cooking operation.

Conventional thermostatic top burner control devices are usually provided with means to calibrate the device. However, in the past, such means adjust merely one temperature within an available range. Often times the adjustment of one temperature within the range varied ajdustment of a previous temperature and as a result the device is never properly calibrated.

It is an object of this invention to permit not only calibration of a single operating temperature within the available range indicated on the knob or dial, but also the calibration of the actual range of control temperatures to agree with dial markings shown on the knob throughout the entire range.

It is another object of this invention to adjust the flame height at the burner without interference from the thermostatically operated valve even though the sensing element may be warm from a previous cooking operation.

Another object of this invention is to adjust the control valve and the regulating valve of a thermostatic control device independently of each other by a single operating means.

In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the control device comprises a casing having a pair of valves disposed therein. The first valve is operated by a dial to control the capacity of fluid flow to the burner thereby regulating the size of the flame thereon. The second valve is thermostatically operated in response to the temperature of a utensil on the burner to control the existence of a flame at the burner, thereby maintaining the utensil at a desired temperature. The dial has a movement for operating the first valve and a separate movement for operating a cam-lever mechanism to select a desired utensil temperature. The lever mechanism is adjustable to vary the amount of cam throw for a dial movement thereby making it possible to equate the utensil temperature and dial reading for any selected temperature on the entire range of dial readings. The cam mechanism is operable to maintain the thermostat at a high temperature setting when the dial is on its flame selection movement to prevent the second valve from interfering with the flame selection operation.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description enemas Patented Oct. 3, 1961 2 taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of the control device embodying this invention with the cover in dashed lines;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the device shown in FIG. 1 with the cover removed;

FIG. 3' is a cross-section taken on line III-III of FIG. 1 but with the valve rotated to an open position;

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of a detail of the device shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the device shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of another portion of the device shown in FIG. 3;

FIGS. 7a, 8a, and 9a are front elevation views showing the control dial in various positions;

FIGS. 7b, 8b, and 9b are fragmentary views with a member in section showing the cam mechanism and the sector plate and pin in various positions; and

FIGS. 70, 8c, and 9c are sectional views taken along line CC of FIG. 2. showing the valve member in various positions.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the control device indicated generally at 10 comprises a casing or valve body 12 having a cover 14 and being provided with an inlet 16 and an outlet 18. The control 10 may be mounted on a range manifold (not shown) by means of a flanged nipple 20 which has a passage 21 therein for communication with inlet 16. The nipple 20 is threaded into the manifold and then attached to the valve body 12 by a pair of screws 22 which extend through openings 24 in the valve body 12 and corresponding openings in the flanges of nipple 20. A hood 26 is threaded onto the valve body 12 over the outlet 18 and adapted to supply fuel to the main burner of a gas range (not shown).

The valve body 12 is provided with a boss 28 extending upwardly from the central location on the bottom thereof. Boss 28 has a passage 30 extending circularly therethrough which communicates with inlet 16. A frustro-conical opening is formed in casing 12 and extends through the boss 28 at right angles to the passage 30 to form a valve seat 32. A corresponding fnlstoconical valve cock '34, having a passage 36 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis thereof is inserted in the valve seat 32. The valve plug 34 is rotatable for aligning or partially aligning passage 36, inlet 16 and passage 38. It is apparent that the position of the valve plug 34 determines the capacity of fluid how to the valve body 12 thereby adjusting flame size at the main burner.

Motion transmitting means is provided for rotating the valve plug 34. More particularly, the outwardly extending end of valve plug 34 is provided with an axial recess 38 to receive the reduced end 40 of a cylindrical valve stem 42. The cylindrical stem 42 is provided with a flattened portion on one side and a longitudinal groove 44 on the opposite side. A D-shaped opening 46 is provided in an end 48 of a hub 50 and a tongue 52 formed on the end 48 is adapted to extend thereinto. The opening 46 cooperates with the flattened stem 42 in such a manner that when the valve stem 42 is rotated, hub 50 rotates also. The hub 56) is of cup-shaped configuration and a peripheral flange 54 forming a cam surface 55 is provided thereon. The purpose and details of the cam surface 55 will be described fully hereinafter. The hub St} is positioned with respect to the valve body 12 by a bearing guide 56 which is placed over the hub '50. The bearing guide 56 is provided with ears 58 having openings 60 therein which cooperate with guide pin 62 on the valve body 12 to accurately locate the bearing guide which is y then firmly attached to the valve body 12 by a pair of the valve body 12. A dial or knob 66 (FIGS. 7a-9a), having suitable indicia 68 thereon, is attached to the protruding end of valve stem 42 and is manually operable to rotate the same. Rotation of dial 66 is limited to less than 360 by engagement of a tab 70 which is formed on the flange 54 of hub 50 with a pair of abutments 72, 74 formed on the face of valve body 12.

Means is provided for preventing separation of the valve stem 42 from the valve plug 34 from the hub 50. More particularly, a spring clip 76 (best shown in FIG. 6) is provided in a machined undercut in the valve stem 42. The spring clip 76 protrudes slightly from the machined undercut and also extends throughgroove 44 so as to engage the end 48 of hub 50 and the tongue 52.

The valve plug 34 is biased into leak-tight engagement with valve seat 32 by a coil spring "78 which is disposed around the valve stem 42. Bias of coil spring 78 is transmitted to the end of the valve plug 34 through a washer S and a sector plate 82. The sector plate 82 is provided with a D-shaped opening 84 corresponding to the reduced end 40 of a valve stem 42 and is inserted thereon to rotate the valve stem upon manual operation of dial 66. A pair of abutment surfaces 86, 88 are provided on the sector plate 82 and are adapted to cooperate with a pin 90 extending outwardly from a radial point on the end of valve plug 34 to cause rotation thereof. The abutment surfaces 86, 88 are formed on the sector plate 82 approximately 210 apart so that the dial 66 may be rotated through approximately this angle without causing rotation of valve plug '34. The purpose of this lost motion connection will become apparent hereinafter.

A second valve seat 92 is formed in the valve body '12 by tapering terminal portion of the upwardly extending boss 28. A valve cavity 94 is formed in valve body 12 about valve seat 92 for the reception of a valve subassembly. This subassembly (best shown in FIG. comprises a U shaped frame 96 which is provided with a pierced hole 98 at one end of each of its opposed sides 100. A pivot pin 102 is mounted in the pierced holes 98 and has a seat lever 104 mounted thereon between the opposed sides of frame 96. The seat lever 104 comprises opposed legs 106, each having one end pivotally mounted on pin 102 and plate'103 formed integral with and connecting the other ends. A circular valve disc 110, having a ball-bearing 111 (FIG. 4) welded to its center, is assembled to connecting plate 108 by a U-shaped spring clip 112. The upper leg of U-shaped spring clip 112 rests on the top of plate 108 and the bottom leg is relieved forming prongs which accommodate the ball-bearing 111 therebetween and hold it against an aperture 114 formed in the central portion of plate 108 thereby providing a self-leveling valve disc.

Channel-shaped members 116 are formed on the opposed legs 106 of seat lever 104 between connecting plate 108 and the pin 102 and are provided with relieved portions 118 forming bearings which mount a pin 120. The pin 120 is attached to an end of a bimetallic lever 122. The free end of bimetallic lever 122 bears against a formed projection 124 on the end of an overshoot lever 126. The other end of overshoot lever 126 is provided with upwardly extending ears 128 which receive a pivot pin 130. The pivot pin 130 is mounted in pierced holes 134 formed in the opposed sides 100 of frame 96 at the opposite end from pivot pin 102. A pair of formed tabs 136, having notches 138 for anchoring a pair of overshoot springs 140, are provided on either side of the formed projection 124. The other end of overshoot springs 140 are hooked in notches 142 formed in a calibrating lever 144. The calibrating lever 144 is provided with ears 146 having pierced holes 148 and is mounted thereby on pin 130 between the pivot frame 96 and the overshoot lever 126. Thus, overshoot springs 140 bias overshoot lever 126 'ina counterclockwise direction thereabout. Rotation of the levers in opposite directions is prevented by a screw 150 which is threaded into calibrating lever 144. Overshoot springs keep levers 126 and 144 biased in a loaded condition against screw and the adjustment of the screw determines the angular relationship between the two levers. A leg 152 is formed on the righthand side of calibrating .lever 144 as viewed in FIG. 5 and extends downwardly through a relieved portion 154 in overshoot lever 126. The purpose of leg 152 will be described fully hereinafter.

It is now apparent that frame 96, seat lever 104, himetal lever 122, overshoot lever 1.26, and calibration lever 144 comprise a unitary subassembly. This subassembly is adapted to be inserted in the valve body cavity 94. To this end, a bore (not shown) is formed in side wall 156 of valve body 12 adjacent the rear thereof and a threaded aperture 158 is formed in side wall 160 opposite the bore. The pivot pin 102 is inserted into the threaded aperture 158 and the bore in side wall 156. A retaining screw 162 is provided with a driving slot 164 at one end and an internal recess 166 at the opposite end for receiving the pivot pin 102. The retaining screw 162 is threaded into the aperture 158 until the pin 102 is firmly held between the side wall 156 and the retaining screw as shown in FIG. 2. Thus, one end of the subassembly is fixed within the valve body 12. A tang 168 extends outwardly from a medial portion on the free end of U-shaped frame 96 and rests on a cam pin 199 which is disposed in a cam pin guide 170 to support the free end of the subassembly. The cam pin guide 170 extends in an upright position from the body member 12 adjacent the front face thereof. With the subassernbly in this position, the valve disc 110 of seat lever 104 rests on the valve seat 92 formed by the terminal end of boss 28. However, a torsion spring 172 is coiled about pivot pin 102 and has one end held within channel-shaped member 116 and the other end bearing on the top of bimetal lever 122. Thus, the torsion spring 172 holds the pin 120 of bimetal lever 122 in the relieved portion 118 of the channel-shaped members 116 and at the same time biases seat lever 104 to an open valve position so as to act as a valve return spring.

Means is provided for controlling the operation of seat lever 104 in response to the temperature of a utensil on the main burner of a gas range. More particularly, the valve cover 14, having thermostatic means thereon, is firmly secured to the valve body12 by four screws 173 (only two shown in FIG. 1) which extend through suitable apertures'in the cover 14 and are threaded into apertures 174 in the valve body 12. A sealing gasket 176 is placed between the cover 14 and the valve body 12 to provide a fluid-tight connection. The thermostatic means comprises a threaded inner stud 178 which is locked into position on the cover 14 by a nut 182. An expansible diaphragm assembly 180 is attached to the inner stud on the inner side of cover 14'and a capillary tube 184 is attached to the inner stud 178 on the external side of cover 14. A sensing head 186 carried by 'capillary tube 184 is mounted at the main burner of the gas range and is adapted to engage a cooking utensil situated thereon to sense the temperature of the utensil. This assembly is charged with a liquid which expands or contracts in response to variations in temperature to provide hydraulic motive power to the diaphragm as sembly 180. This thrust is transmitted through an outer stud 190 on diaphragm 180 to a formed projection'192 disposed on the bimetal lever 122. The overshoot springs 140 are relatively strong so that upon receiving thrust from the outer stud 190, the bimetal lever 122 pivots about the formed projection 124'on overshoot lever 126. This transmits the thrust to seat lever 104 through the pin 120 of bimetal lever 122thereby pivoting seat lever 104 about pin 102 against the bias of torsion spring 172 to move valve disc 110 into engagement with valve seat 92. Upon normal overshoot or if the sensing head 166 is suddenly subject to extremely high temperatures,-the

excess thrust created will be transmitted to the overshoot lever 126 which will pivot about pin 130 against the bias of overshoot spring 140 to prevent excessively stressing the control parts.

Means is provided for selection of the temperature at which the seat lever 104 will be moved into engagement with valve seat 92. More particularly, the cam pin 194 is disposed in cam pin guide170 and is operable to engage tang 168 to rotate frame 96 and calibrating lever 144, overshoot lever 126, and the bimetal lever 122 which are carried therewith. This pivotal movement of frame 96 varies the position of the formed projection 192 on bimetal lever 126 with respect to outer stud 190 on the expansible diaphragm assembly 180. With a changed position of projection 192, it is apparent that a different sensed temperature will be required to cause engagement of outer stud 190 with the formed projection 192 for pivoting seat lever 104 into engagement with valve seat 92.

The cam pin 194 and cam pin guide 170 form part of a follower assembly which is situated in a bore 196 provided in the valve body 12 adjacent the front face thereof and positioned above flange 54 of hub 50. A reduced portion 198 is provided in bore 196 adjacent the bottom thereof and slidably mounts a cam button 200. The cam button 200 is provided with a machined undercut for receiving a spring clip 202 which is adapted to engage the valve body 12 about the reduced portion 198 to prevent extraction of the cam button. 170 has the bottom thereof fixed within the upper portion of bore 196 and the cam pin 194 extends through an aperture 204 disposed centrally in the cam pin guide. The other end of canrpin 194 is seated in a recess 206 formed in cam button 200. A coil spring 208, a Washer 210, and a seal 212 are disposed around cam pin 194 and the spring 203 is compressed between the cam button 200 and the washer 210. This compresses seal 212 which is positioned between the washer210 and the cam pin guide 170 to form a slidable leak-tight connection with cam pin 194 and also urges the cam button 200 into engagement with the cam surface 55 formed on. the perimeter of hub flange 54.

The cam surface of circular hub flange 54 is provided with a low level 214, an intermediate lever 216, and a high level 218 disposed in that order in a clockwise direction about flange 54 and suitably connected by sloping steps 220, 222. The high level 218 is gradually decreased in the clockwise direction until it reaches approximately the intermediate level at a point adjacent the tab 70. As shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b, when the Off position indicia 68 on dial 66 is adjacent 2. reference point 223 which may be suitably positioned on the valve body 12 or a bezel (not shown) inserted on bearing guide 56, the cam pin 194 is in engagement with the low level 214 of cam surface 55. Thus, the cam pin 194 is in its low position and only slightly protrudes from cam pin guide 170 and the tang 168 will rest on cam pin 199 in its lowest position. In this position, the formed projection 192 on bimetal lever 122 will be out of engagement with the outer stud 190.

As the dial 66 is manually rotated in a counterclockwise direction through a portion 224 of indicia 68, the cam pin 194 will be raised by step 220 and ride along the intermediate level 216. As the cam pin 194 is raised, it raises tang 168 to pivot frame 96 in a clockwise direction about pin 102 thereby moving formed projection 192 in the direction of outer stud 190. The level 216 forms a lost motion connection so that during its engagement the cam pin is not raised; thus, the projection is still far enough away from outer stud 190 to require a temperature of approximately 450 F. or any preselected temperature to cause engagement of the two for operation of the seat lever 104. Further counterclockwise rotation of dial 66 causes cam pin 194 to ride up step 222 to the high level 218 of cam surface 55. This causes further rotation The cam pin guide of frame 96 about pin 102 and moves formed projection 192 more in the direction of outer stud 190. In this position, a sensed temperature of approximately F. will cause operation of the seat lever 104 to close the valve. As the dial 66 is rotated further in a counterclockwise direction through the various temperature settings, the cam pin 194 is gradually lowered until it reaches a level approximately equal to the intermediate level 216 when tab 70 engages abutment 74 on the face of valve body 12 as shown in FIG. 8a.

Thus, it is apparent that if the shape of the cam surface 55 is such that it causes a movement of projection 192 an amount exactly equal to the movement of outer stud 190 through thetemperatures indicated on the dial 66, the control will be properly calibrated and ready for shipment. However, due to manufacturing tolerances of cam surface 55 and the fact that sensing elements often vary in movement per degree of temperature change, it is improbable that the movements will exactly correspond.

To remedy this, means is provided for equating the dial reading and the sensed temperature so that the outer stud 190 will cause closing of the seat lever 104 at. exactly the temperature indicated on dial 66 for any selected temperature within the entire range. To this end, leg 152 of calibrating lever 144 is provided with a curved segment 226. The curved segment 226 is positioned by an adjusting screw 228 which extends through a clamping plate 230 and the front face of valve body 12. The clamping plate 230, which is positioned externally of the valve body 12, acts to hold adjusting screw 228 in its set position and is provided with suitable indicia 232 disposed thereon. Driving slot 234 of adjusting screw 228 cooperates with the indicia 232 to indicate the rotational position of the adjusting screw relative thereto.

It is apparent that as the frame 96 pivots about pin 102 in response to rotation of the dial 66, curved segment 226 rides against the end of adjusting screw 228. If the end of screw 228 holds the curved segment 226 in such a position that the center of curvature of the curved segment coincides with pin 102 then movement of frame 96 produces no rotational movement of calibrating lever 144 about pin and, consequently, no additional movement of projection 192. If the locationof adjusting screw 228 is such that the curved segment 226 is positioned away from or closer to pivot pin 102 than the radius of the segment 226, the center of curved segment 226 will not coincide with pin 102 and as frame 96 is raised or lowered, calibrating lever 144 is caused to move rotationally about pin 130.

If the curved segment 2126 is located away from pin 102 at a greater distance than its radius, then movement of formed projection 192 on bimetal 122 caused by rotation of calibrating lever 144 and overshoot lever 126 about pin 130 will add to that caused by rotation of frame 96 about pin 102 thereby causing a greater movement of projection 192 than was the case when the curved segment 226 was located at a distance from the pin 102 equal to its radius. However, if adjusting screw 228 is screwed into the valve body 12 far enough so that the curved segment 226 is at a distance from pin 102 less than its radius, movement of formed projection 192 due to rotation of calibrating lever 144 and overshoot lever 126 will detract from movement of the formed projection 192. caused by rotation of frame 96 about pin 102 thereby causing less movement of the formed projection 192 than was the case when the curvedsegrnent 226 was positioned at a distance from pin 102 equal to its radius. Consequently, by proper adjustment of screw 228, the movement of projection 192, for any dial and cam rotation, will match the movement of the outer stud 190 between temperatures which are indicated on the dial 66.

It is apparent that when these movements are matched, the formed projection 192 may be out of engagement with outer stud 190. To move the projection 192 into contact with outer stud 190, the screw positioned on calibrating lever 1'44n1ay be adjusted. to change, the

angular relationship between the calibrating lever 144 and the. overshoot lever 126-thereby pivoting bimetal lever 122' into 'engagementwith the outer'stud 190 without appreciably' effecting the adjusted movements.

In operation, after initial factory calibration of the control by the use of adjusting screw 228 and screw 150 in the manner just described,'the control is mounted on a range manifold bymeans of the flanged nipple and the sensing head-186 is mounted at the main burner for contact with any suitable cooking utensil placed thereon. Minor field calibration necessary on the installation is also made by the use of adjusting screw 228. Adjusting screw 228in the factory calibration is used as a range adjustment,'but sinceits effect upon the location of projection 192is'la'rge compared to'its effect upon the movement of projection '192for' full rotation of dial 66 due to the positioning of curved segment; 226, it can be used as a means of field temperature calibration without appreciably eifecting-the range of control.

Initially, the dial 66 is in the Off position and the parts are'in the positions shown in FIGS. 7a, 7b, and 70 with the valve plug 34 in position to cut off the fluid flow through the valve body 12. Dial '66 is then rotated in a counterclockwise direction to the HI position, as shown in FIG. S'mwhereby tab'70 engages abutment '74. The sector plate 82 rotates with dial 66 and the abutting surface 86 thereon rotates through an angle of approximately 210 before it engages pin90 to rotate valve plug 34 to the position shown in FIG..8b for permitting fluid flow through the valve body. 'Fluid now flows through inlet 16 and valve plug passage 36 to a pilot passage 236 formed in valve body 12.

The pilot passage 236 communicates with a pilot outlet 238 situated on the side of casing 12. Suitable means (not shown) is attached to pilot outlet 238 for supplying fluid to a pilot burner which is customarily situated in igniting relationship with the main burner. A screw 240 is threaded into the front face of valve body .12 and communicates with pilot passage 236 and is adjustable to restrict selectively the fluid flow therethrough. The seat lever 104 is normally biased by torsion spring 172 away from valve seat 92 thereby also allowing fluid flow through outlet 18 to the main burner.

'After'ignition of the mainburner, the dial 66 is then turned in a clockwise direction to the desired temperature indicated on indicia 68. Note that during the temperature selecting movement, the position of the valve plug 34 is not affected due to the lost motion connection between pin 90 and the abutting surfaces 86, 88 of sector plate 82. However, if a small cooking utensil is positioned overthe burner and a flame height less than the full input is desired, the dial 66 is rotated from HI in a clockwise direction to the portion 224 of indicia 68. This moves abutting'surface 88 of sector plate 82 through approximately 210 into engagement with pin 90. The user then adjusts the flame height visually or by markings onthe indica 224 to the desired flame height. The reduced flame height is caused by rotation of the valve plug 34 to a position limiting fluid flow to the casing as shown in FIG. 9b. A notch 242 is provided on valve plug 34 to insure adequate pilot flow.

After the flame height adjustment has been made, the dial 66 is then rotated counterclockwise to the desired temperature indicia. It should again be noted that movement to the selected temperature position does not affect the position of valve plug 34 since abutting surface 88 merely moves away from pin 90 and rotation is not suflicient to bring abutting surface 86 into contact with the pin. Movement of dial 66 to the temperature desired causes rotation of the cam surface to position the height of cam pin 194 thereby adjusting the relative position between projection 192 and outer stud 190. Hence, when the cookingutensil reaches the selected temperature, say 300 F., as shown in FIG. 9a, the outer stud 190 will be moved against projection 192 and the bimetal lever 122 will1piv0t about projection 124 on overshoot lever 126 thereby causing pivotalmovement of seat lever 104 about pin 102 to move valve disc into engagement with valve seat 92, as shown in FIG. 90, for stopping fluid flow to the main burner.

When the temperature of the utensil as sensedby head 186 decreases below the temperature of 300 F., outer stud 190 will move awayfrom projection 192 and valve disc 110 will be moved away from valve seat 92 to permit fluid flow to the main burner. Fluid flowing to the main burner will be ignited by the pilot and the cooking vessel will again be heated until the temperature thereof reaches 300 F. It is apparent that an intermittent flame will be produced at the main burner to maintain the temperature of the cooking utensil at that set on dial 66.

Should the ambient temperature of the sensing device increase due to the use of adjacent burners, this will cause increased expansion of the sensing fluid; However, bimetal lever 122 will also be heated and will warp in such a manner to compensate for the variance of the sensing element. Consequently, changes in ambient temperatures have no appreciable effect upon the calibration or control afforded at a given dial position.

If the cooking operation is finished, and a different sized utensil is desired to be 'used for a second cooking operation while the sensing element is still warm, the previously described operation is merely again carried out. It should be noted that the level of the cam surface 55 when the dial 66 is turned to the portion 224 is such that the thermostatic device is maintained at a high temperature. This high temperature during flame height selection is desirable since it makes the selection possible without impediment from the thermostatic valve. It also eliminates the need for haste in the act of flame height selection since an appreciable interval of time is required before such high temperatures are reached by the sensing element 186.

While a single embodiment of this invention has been shown and described particularly in connection with gas range surface burners, it is apparent that there may be many changes in the application thereof as well as in structure and operation without departing from the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

We claim:

1. In a control device, the combination comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet, first valve means disposed in said casing adjacent said inlet and being movable between positions for controlling a flow of fluid from said inlet, second valve means disposed in said casing and being movable between positions for regulating a flow of fluid to said outlet, operating means having a single plane of rotation operatively connected to said first and second valve means for selectively positioning the same, means defining a lost motion connection operatively disposed between said operating means and said first valve means whereby said operating means is effective to adjust the position of said second valve means independently of said first valve means, and means operatively disposed between said operating and said second valve means whereby said operating means is effective to adjust the position of said first valve means independently of said second valve means.

2. In a'control device, the combination comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet, a control valve member seated in said casing adjacent said inlet and being movable between positions for controlling a flow of fluid from said inlet, a regulating assembly movably disposed in said casing and including thermally responsive means and valve means'movable thereby between positions for regulating a flow of fluid to said outlet in accordance with variations from a predetermined temperature, operating means having a single plane of rotation .operatively connected to said control valve member and said regulating assembly for selectively positioning the same, means defining a lost motion connection operatively disposed between said operating -means and said control valve member whereby said opeiating means is effective to adjust the position of said regulating assembly independently of said control valve member, and means defining a second lost motion connection operatively disposed between said operating means and said regulating assembly whereby said operating means is effective to adjust the position of said control valve member independently of said regulating assembly.

3. In a thermostatic control device, the combination comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet, first valve means disposed in said casing adjacent said inlet and being movable between positions for controlling a flow of fluid from said inlet, second valve means movably disposed in said housing for regulating the flow of fluid to said outlet, thermally responsive means including an element movably disposed in said casing for causing movement of said second valve means in response to tem perature variations, a lever mechanism operatively disposed between said element and said second valve means and being movable between a plurality of positions corresponding to a plurality of temperature settings, operating means operatively connected to said first valve means for moving the same to a controlling position, cam means including a first device radially operably carried by said operating means and a second device operably engaging said lever mechanism for moving the same in response to operation of said operating means to a position corresponding to a selected temperature setting, a lost motion connection operatively disposed between said operating means and said first valve means whereby said operating means moves said lever mechanism independently of said first valve means, and means on the radial portion of said first device of said cam means whereby said operating means moves said first valve means independently of said lever mechanism.

4. In a thermosatic control device, the combination comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet, a totatable plug valve seated in said casing adjacent said inlet for controlling a fluid flow therefrom, regulating valve means including a valve seat in said casing and a valve member movably disposed in said casing for cooperation with said valve seat, thermally responsive means including a power element in said casing movable in response to temperature variations, a lever mechanism pivotally mounted in said casing and being movable relative to said power element between a plurality of positions corresponding to a plurality of temperature settings, motion transmitting means operatively connected to said plug valve for rotating the same to a controlling position, cam means operatively disposed between said motion transmitting means and said lever mechanism to pivot the same to one of said plurality of positions in response to operation by said motion transmitting means, a lost motion connection operatively disposed between said motion transmitting means and said plug valve whereby said lever mechanism is pivoted independently of said plug valve, and said cam means having a portion defining a lost motion means whereby said plug valve is adjusted in its controlling position independently of said lever mechanism.

5. The combination as recited in claim 4 wherein said motion transmitting means comprises a valve stem and a cylindrical hub secured together for unitary rotation.

6. The combination as recited in claim 5 wherein said cam means comprises a cam follower carried by said casing and a plurality of cam surfaces formed on said cylindrical hub, and one of said cam surfaces comprises said lost motion means.

7. In a control device, the combination comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet with a valve for controlling a flow of fluid therebetween, thermally responsive means having an element movably disposed in said casing in response to temperature variations, a first means movably carried by said casing, a second means formed with a depending member and being movably 10 carried by said first means and operatively connected to said valve for causing operation thereof, means operable to indicate a plurality of temperatures and being operatively connected to said first means for effecting movement of said second means through a plurality of positions corresponding to said plurality of temperatures whereby said second means is selectively positioned relative to said element of said thermally responsive means at an indicated temperature, and means slidably engaging said depending member of said second means for moving said second means relative to said first means upon movement of said first means whereby the relative position between said second means and said element of said thermally responsive means is adjusted for each indicated temperature.

8. In a thermostatic control device, the combination comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet with a valve disposed therebetween for controlling a flow of fluid, a first means pivotally mounted in said casing and being movable between a plurality of positions, a second means pivotally mounted on said first means and connected to said valve to cause operation thereof, thermally responsive means attached to said casing and being movable in response to temperature variations, actuating means operatively connected to said first means for pivoting the same to a selected one of said plurality of positions to position said second means relative to said thermally responsive means thereby determining the temperature at which said thermally responsive means will engage said second means to operate said valve, and means slidably engaging said second means causing pivotal movement thereof relative to said first means upon. movement of said first means whereby the position of said second means relative to said thermally responsive means is adjusted for every selected position of said plurality of positions of said first means.

9. The combination as recited in claim 8 wherein said engaging means is carried by said casing and is adjustable for varying the pivotal movement of said second means relative to said first means.

10. In a control device, the combination comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet with a valve therebetween for controlling fluid flow, a frame pivotally mounted in said casing about a pivot point and having lever means pivotally mounted thereon, a pivotal member operatively connected to said lever means and said valve, thermally responsive means attached to said casing and operatively connected to said pivotal member to cause operation of said valve, means operatively connected to said frame for pivoting the same to position said pivotal member relative to said thermally responsive means thereby determining the temperature at which said thermally responsive means will engage said pivotal member, a curved segment extending from said lever means and normally having its center of curvature at said pivot point whereby said lever means remains in a set position relative to said frame during pivotal movement of said frame, and means for adjusting said lever means to change the location of said center of curvature, said adjusting means slidably engaging said curved segment upon movement of said frame causing said lever means to pivot relative to said frame to adjust the movement of said pivotal member.

11. In a control device, the combination comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet with a valve for controlling fluid flow therebetween, a frame: pivotally mounted in said casing about a pivot .point, lever means pivotally mounted on said frame and having a curved segment extending therefrom, means adjustably mounted in said casing engaging said curved segment, the center of curvature of said curved segment normally coinciding with said pivot point whereby said lever means remains set relative to said frame upon movement of said frame, a pivotal member operatively connected to said lever means and said valve, thermally responsive means attached to said casing and operable to engage said pivotal 11 member to cause operation of said'valve, means operatively connected tosaid frame for pivoting the same to position said pivotal member relative to said thermally responsive means thereby setting the temperature at which said thermally responsive means Will engage said pivotal member to operatesaid valve,-said adjustably mounted meansbeing operable to change the location of the center of curvature of said curved segment whereby said lever means Will pivot relative to said frame upon movement of said frame to adjust said pivotal member relative to said thermally responsive means.

12. In a thermostatic control device, a casing having an inlet and an outlet with :a-valve disposed therebetween for controlling a flow of fluid, means pivotally mounted in said casing about a pivot point and operable to be moved to a pluralityof positions, lever means pivotally mounted on said first named means and having a curved segment with the center of curvature thereof normally coinciding with said pivot point whereby said lever means remains in a set position relative to said first named means during pivotal movement of said first named means, thermally responsive means attached to said casing and movable in response to temperature variations, a pivotal member operatively connected to said lever means and said valve for operation of said valve, actuating means operatively connected to said first named means for moving the same to a selected position whereby said pivotal member is moved relative to said thermally responsive means to a position corresponding to the temperature at which said thermally responsive means will engage said pivotal member to operate said valve, and means slidably engaging said curved segment of said lever means and being operable to change the location of the center of curvature of said curved segment whereby said lever means will pivot relative to said first named means upon movement of said first named means to adjust the position of said pivotal member relative to said thermally responsive means.

13-. In a thermostatic control device, a casing having an inlet and an outlet with a valve disposed therebetween for controlling a flow of fluid, a frame pivotally mounted in said casing about a pivot point, lever means pivotally mounted on said frame and having a curved segment extending therefrom with the center of curvature thereof normally coinciding with said pivot point whereby said lever means remains set relative to said frame upon movement of said frame, a pivotal member operatively connected to said lever means and said valve, thermally responsive means attached to said casing and operatively engaging said pivotal member to cause operation of said valve, means operatively connected to said frame for pivoting the same to position said pivotal member relative to said thermally responsive means thereby determining the temperature at which said thermally responsive means will engage said pivotal member to operate said valve, and calibrating means engaging said curved segment and being operable to adjust the location of the center of curvature thereof, said calibrating means slidably engaging-said curved segment upon pivotal movement of said frame to pivot said lever means relative to said frame for adjusting the movement of said pivotal member relative to said thermally responsive means.

14. '-In a control device, a casing having an inlet and an outlet with a valve disposed therebetween for controlling fluid flow between said inlet and said outlet, a frame pivotally mounted about a pivot pin in said casing, a seat lever pivotally mounting said valve adjacent said outlet, a pair of levers pivotally mounted on said frame, resilient means connecting said pair of levers for causing movement thereof as a unit, one of said levers having a curved segment extending therefrom with the center of curvature thereof normally coinciding with the pivot pin of said frame whereby said lever means remains set relative to said frame upon movement of said frame, means adjustably mounted on said casing and engaging said curved segment to limit the pivotal movement of said levers in one direction, 'a pivotal lever having one end pivotally 12 mounted on the other of said levers and another en pivotally mounted on said seat lever, thermally responsive means attached to said casing and operatively engageable with said pivotal lever to cause pivotal movement thereof about said other lever to operate said seat lever, said pivotal lever pivoting about said valve on overtravel of said thermally responsive means to cause pivotal movement of said other lever against the bias of said resilient means, and means operatively connected to said frame for pivoting the same to position said pivotal member relative to said thermally responsive means thereby determining the temperature at which said thermally responsive means will engage said pivotal lever to operate said valve, said adjustably mounted means being operable to change the location of center of curvature of said curved segment whereby said lever means will pivot relative to said frame upon movement of said frame to adjust the position of said pivotal lever relative to said thermally responsive means.

15. The control device of claim 14 wherein an adjustable member is mounted on said one lever and engages said other lever for adjusting the relative position of said levers.

16. In a thermostatic control device, a casing having an inlet and an outlet with a valve disposed therebetween for controlling a flow of fluid, means pivotally mounted in said casing and operable to be moved to a plurality of positions, lever means pivotally mounted on said first named meanstand having a segment extending therefrom, thermally responsive means attached to said casing and movable in response to temperature variations, a pivotal member operatively connected to said lever means and said valve for operation of said valve, actuating means operatively connected to said first named means for moving the same to a selected position whereby said pivotal member is moved relative to said thermally responsive means to a position corresponding to the temperature at which said thermally responsive means will engage said pivotal member to operate said valve, and means slidably engaging said segment of said lever means for pivoting said lever means relative to said first named means upon movement of said first named means to adjust the position of said pivotal member for every selected position of said plurality of positions of said first named means.

17. In a thermostatic control device, a casing having an inlet and an outlet with a valve disposed therebetween for controlling a flow of fluid, a frame pivotally mounted in said casing, lever means pivotally mounted on said frame and having a segment extending therefrom, apivotal member operatively connected to said lever means and said valve, thermally responsive means attached to said casing and operatively engageable with said pivotal member to cause operation of said valve, means operatively connected to said frame for pivoting the same to position said pivotal member relative to said thermally responsive means thereby determining the temperature at which said thermally responsive means will engage said pivotal member to operate said valve, calibrating means engaging said segment and being operable to move the same and adjust said lever means relative to said frame, said calibrating means also slidingly engaging said segment upon pivotal movement of said frame to pivot said lever means relative to said frame for further adjusting the movement of said pivotal member relative to said thermally responsive means.

18. Ina control device, the combination comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet with a valve for controlling a'flow of fluid therebetween, thermally responsive means having an element movably disposed in saidcasing in response to temperature variations, a first means movably carried by said casing, a second means movably carried by said first means and operatively connectedto said valve for causing operation thereof, meansoperable to indicate a plurality of temperatures and being operatively connected to said first means for effecting movement of said second means through a plurality of positions corresponding to said plurality of temperatures whereby said second means is selectively positioned relative to said element of said thermally responsive means at an indicated temperature, and means engaging said second means and being operable to adjust the position of the same relative to said element, said engaging means slidably engaging said second means for moving the same relative to said first means upon movement of said first means whereby the relative position between said second means and said element of said thermally responsive means is further adjusted for each indicated temperature.

19. In a control device, the combination comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet with a valve for controlling a flow of fluid therebetween, thermally responsive means having an element movably disposed in said casing in response to temperature variations, a first means movably carried by said casing, 21 second means movably carried by said first means and operatively connected to said valve for causing operation thereof, means operatively connected to said first means and being operative to move the same to selectively position said second means relative to said element of said thermally responsive means, and means engaging said second means and being operable to move the same relative to said first means to adjust the position of said second means relative to said element, said engaging means slidably engaging said second means for moving the same relative to said first means upon movement of said first means whereby the relative position between said second means and said element of said thermally responsive means is further adjusted upon movement of said first means.

20. In a control device, the combination comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet passage for fluid with a chamber disposed therebetween, first valve means disposed in said inlet passage and being movable between positions for controlling fluid flow through said inlet passage, second valve means disposed in said chamber and being movable between positions for regulating fluid flow to said outlet, rotatable means operatively associated with said first and second valve means respectively for positioning the same, a first lost motion connection operatively disposed between said rotatable means and said first valve means and including a plate member having at least two abutment surfaces radially disposed thereon and spaced a first arcuate distance apart, a second lost motion connection operatively disposed between said rotatable means and said second valve means and including a cam surface having a peripheral portion subtending a second arcuate distance, said rotatable means being rotatable in one direction through an are including said first and second arcuate distances respectively to cause engagement of said first and second lost motion connections to move said first and second valve members to an open position, said rotatable means being rotatable in an opposite direction through said second arcuate distance to cause engagement of the second lost motion connection to move said second valve member to a partially closed position, said rotatable means being rotatable in said opposite direction through said first arcuate distance to cause engagement of said first lost motion connection to move said first valve member to a partially closed position, said rotatable means being rotatable in said one direction to move said second valve means to a selected regulated position whereby said rotatable means controls and regulates the fluid flow.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,926,533 Grayson Sept. 12, 1933 2,004,597 Birtch June 11, 1935 2,006,930 Newell et al July 2, 1935 2,099,171 Matthews Nov. 16, 1937 2,132,689 Hermann Oct. 11, 1938 2,393,841 Titcomb Jan. 29, 1946 

